Question

In My Bondage and My Freedom by Frederick Douglass, what does Douglass mean when he describes Mrs. Auld as apt?

a)She quickly changed her mind back and forth to please others.
b)She tended to ignore the advice of others and do what she believed was right.
c)She was capable of making her own decisions, even in the face of opposition.
d)She adapted to new circumstances by convincing herself that she agreed with her husband’s views.

Answer 1

the correct answer is d becouse the passage suggests it

Answer 2

Answer: d) She adapted to new circumstances by convincing herself that she agreed with her husband’s views.

"Apt" means astute, or clever. In this case, Douglass uses the word in order to convey a certain adaptability and flexibility of mind that Mrs. Auld possessed. Even though she wanted to educate her slaves, her husband soon convinced her that this was a bad choice. Because she was "apt," she adapted by trying to convince herself that her husband was right, and she was successful.